A method for controlling a power tool includes ascertaining a workpiece characteristic of the workpiece to be processed from previously acquired measured values, determining the workpiece material from the workpiece characteristic of the workpiece to be processed, specifying initial values, which are suitable for processing the workpiece made of the determined workpiece material using the power tool, for machine parameters such as feed, speed, and torque, storing the initial values for putting the power tool into operation with machine parameters set to the initial values and/or putting the power tool into operation with machine parameters set to the initial values. A cooling constant is ascertained according to the Newtonian cooling law as the workpiece characteristic of the workpiece to be processed. To ascertain the cooling constant, the ambient temperature is measured, the workpiece is heated, and the actual temperature of the workpiece is measured, whereupon the cooling constant is computed.
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1. A method for controlling a power tool comprising a drill, a miter saw, circular saw, or jigsaw, which has at least one processing tool comprising a drill bit or a saw blade for processing one or more workpieces made of different materials comprising wood, metal, or plastic, comprising the following steps: ascertaining a workpiece characteristic of the workpiece to be processed from previously acquired measured values, determining the workpiece material from the workpiece characteristic of the workpiece to be processed, specifying initial values, which are suitable for processing the workpiece made of the determined workpiece material using the power tool, for machine parameters including feed, speed, and torque, storing the initial values for putting the power tool into operation with machine parameters set to the initial values and/or putting the power tool into operation with machine parameters set to the initial values, wherein a cooling constant is ascertained according to the Newtonian cooling law as the workpiece characteristic of the workpiece to be processed, wherein, to ascertain the cooling constant, an ambient temperature is measured or specified, the workpiece is heated until a specified initial temperature is reached, and then, after passage of a specified duration, the actual temperature of the workpiece is measured, whereupon the cooling constant is computed, in particular according to the following formula: k = 1 t · ln ( T A - T U T - T U ) , wherein t: is a defined point in time, k: is a cooling constant, T.sub.A: is a temperature of the workpiece at a point in time t.sub.0=0, T.sub.U: is an ambient temperature, and T: is a temperature of the workpiece at the defined point in time t; and subsequent processing of the workpiece using the power tool with machine parameters set to the initial values.
This invention relates to power tools and addresses the problem of optimizing material processing by automatically adjusting machine parameters. The method involves controlling a power tool, such as a drill, miter saw, circular saw, or jigsaw, which uses a processing tool like a drill bit or saw blade to work on workpieces made of materials including wood, metal, or plastic. The core of the method is to determine a characteristic of the workpiece to be processed. Specifically, this characteristic is a cooling constant, which is ascertained by applying Newton's law of cooling. To find this cooling constant, the ambient temperature is measured or set. The workpiece is then heated to a specific initial temperature. After a set time, the actual temperature of the workpiece is measured. The cooling constant (k) is then calculated using the formula: k = (1/t) * ln((TA - TU) / (T - TU)), where t is the elapsed time, TA is the initial workpiece temperature, TU is the ambient temperature, and T is the workpiece temperature at time t. Once the workpiece material is determined from this cooling constant, initial values for machine parameters like feed, speed, and torque are specified. These initial values are optimized for processing the workpiece made of the identified material. The power tool is then put into operation with these machine parameters set to the initial values, and the workpiece is subsequently processed. The initial values are stored for future use.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein during subsequent processing of the workpiece using the power tool with machine parameters set to the initial values, the processing is either performed continuously with machine parameters set to the initial values or at least proceeding from machine parameters set to the initial values, which are re-adjustable in the course of work, however.
This invention relates to a method for optimizing machine parameters in power tool operations, particularly for processing workpieces. The method addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent and efficient processing performance by dynamically adjusting machine parameters based on initial values derived from a reference workpiece. The initial values are determined by processing a reference workpiece under controlled conditions, capturing data such as power consumption, speed, or other operational metrics. These initial values serve as a baseline for subsequent processing of similar workpieces. During actual processing, the machine parameters may either remain fixed at the initial values or be adjusted dynamically as needed, allowing for real-time adaptation to variations in workpiece material or conditions. This approach ensures precision and efficiency while reducing the need for manual parameter adjustments. The method is particularly useful in industrial applications where consistency and automation are critical.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein temperature values are acquired in a contactless manner to ascertain the cooling constant, wherein the workpiece is heated in a contactless manner, preferably by means of a laser beam source comprising a laser diode, until the specified initial temperature is reached.
This invention relates to a method for determining the cooling constant of a workpiece, particularly in industrial or manufacturing settings where precise thermal characterization is required. The method addresses the challenge of accurately measuring thermal properties without physical contact, which can be impractical or disruptive in certain applications. The process involves heating the workpiece in a contactless manner, preferably using a laser beam source, such as a laser diode, until a specified initial temperature is reached. Once the workpiece reaches this temperature, temperature values are acquired in a contactless manner to monitor its cooling behavior. These measurements are used to calculate the cooling constant, which describes how quickly the workpiece loses heat over time. The contactless approach avoids potential inaccuracies or disturbances that may arise from physical contact with the workpiece, ensuring more reliable and consistent results. This method is particularly useful in scenarios where traditional contact-based temperature measurement techniques are impractical, such as in high-speed manufacturing processes or with delicate materials. By eliminating physical contact, the technique enhances measurement accuracy and reduces the risk of damaging the workpiece or altering its thermal properties during testing. The use of a laser diode for heating provides precise and controlled energy delivery, further improving the reliability of the cooling constant determination.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein, to determine the workpiece material, the ascertained cooling constant is compared to known and/or stored values for the cooling constants of workpieces made of different materials.
This invention relates to a method for determining the material of a workpiece by analyzing its cooling behavior. The method addresses the challenge of identifying material properties without destructive testing, which is critical in manufacturing and quality control processes. The process involves heating the workpiece to a specific temperature and then monitoring its cooling rate. The cooling rate is used to calculate a cooling constant, which is a characteristic value representing how quickly the workpiece loses heat. This cooling constant is then compared against a database of known cooling constants for different materials. By matching the measured cooling constant to the closest stored value, the material of the workpiece can be accurately identified. The method leverages the unique thermal properties of different materials, ensuring precise material identification without physical sampling. This approach is particularly useful in automated manufacturing environments where rapid, non-destructive material verification is required. The system may include a heating element, a temperature sensor, and a processing unit to perform the calculations and comparisons. The database of cooling constants can be pre-populated with values for common materials, allowing for quick and reliable material determination. This technique improves efficiency and reduces waste by eliminating the need for traditional material testing methods.
5. The method as recited in claim 3 , wherein a laser flash analysis is carried out to ascertain the cooling constant, in particular by means of an IR temperature sensor operating in a contactless manner, which is used to measure its sensor temperature as the ambient temperature and the surface temperature of the workpiece, wherein a punctiform laser beam from the laser beam source, in particular the laser diode, is oriented on the workpiece to heat the workpiece.
This invention relates to a method for determining thermal properties of a workpiece using laser flash analysis. The method addresses the challenge of accurately measuring thermal characteristics such as cooling constants in materials, which is critical for applications in thermal management, material characterization, and quality control. The process involves heating a localized area of the workpiece using a focused laser beam, particularly from a laser diode, to induce a controlled thermal response. An infrared (IR) temperature sensor, operating in a contactless manner, measures the ambient temperature and the surface temperature of the workpiece during the cooling phase. The sensor's readings are used to calculate the cooling constant, which describes how quickly the workpiece dissipates heat. The contactless IR sensor ensures precise temperature measurements without physical interference, improving accuracy and repeatability. The method leverages the laser's ability to deliver precise, localized heating, while the IR sensor provides real-time temperature data. This combination allows for efficient and non-destructive thermal characterization of materials, making it suitable for industrial and research applications where thermal properties are critical. The technique eliminates the need for physical contact, reducing potential measurement errors and enhancing reliability.
6. The method as recited in claim 5 , wherein, while the workpiece is heated, it is continuously acquired whether the specified initial temperature is reached, in particular using the temperature sensor comprising the IR temperature sensor.
This invention relates to a method for heating a workpiece, particularly in industrial or manufacturing processes where precise temperature control is critical. The method addresses the challenge of ensuring a workpiece reaches a specified initial temperature before further processing, which is essential for maintaining product quality and process efficiency. The invention involves continuously monitoring the workpiece temperature during heating to verify whether the target initial temperature is achieved. This monitoring is performed using a temperature sensor, specifically an infrared (IR) temperature sensor, which provides non-contact, real-time temperature measurements. The continuous acquisition of temperature data ensures that the heating process is accurately controlled, preventing underheating or overheating, which could lead to defects or inefficiencies. The use of an IR sensor allows for rapid and precise temperature detection without physical contact, making it suitable for automated or high-speed production environments. The method ensures that the workpiece is heated to the correct temperature before subsequent steps, improving process reliability and consistency. This approach is particularly useful in applications where temperature uniformity and accuracy are critical, such as metalworking, plastics processing, or electronics manufacturing.
7. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the temperature sensor and the laser beam source are actuated via pulse width modulation, so that they are alternately in operation.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring temperature using a laser beam source and a temperature sensor, where both components are controlled via pulse width modulation (PWM) to operate alternately. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing power consumption and signal interference in temperature measurement applications. The laser beam source emits a laser beam that interacts with a target, and the temperature sensor detects the resulting signal to determine temperature. By using PWM, the laser and sensor are activated in a staggered manner, preventing simultaneous operation and reducing power draw while minimizing cross-interference between the two components. This alternating operation ensures accurate temperature readings without the need for additional shielding or complex signal processing. The PWM control allows precise timing of the laser and sensor activations, optimizing energy efficiency and measurement reliability. The system is particularly useful in environments where power efficiency and signal integrity are critical, such as in industrial monitoring or portable devices. The alternating activation via PWM ensures that the laser and sensor do not operate at the same time, avoiding signal distortion and conserving energy. This approach simplifies the design while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein, when specifying the initial values for the machine parameters, further workpiece properties characterizing the workpiece comprising a workpiece thickness, are taken into consideration, wherein these workpiece properties are preferably also determined from at least one additional measured value acquired by means of at least one additional sensor.
This invention relates to a method for optimizing machine parameters in a manufacturing process, particularly for machining operations such as milling, turning, or grinding. The method addresses the challenge of achieving precise and efficient material removal while minimizing tool wear and energy consumption by dynamically adjusting machine parameters based on real-time data. The method involves determining initial values for machine parameters, such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, by analyzing workpiece properties. Specifically, the workpiece thickness is considered alongside other properties to tailor the machining process to the material being processed. These workpiece properties are derived from measured values obtained using sensors, which may include optical, ultrasonic, or tactile sensors, ensuring accurate and adaptive parameter adjustments. By incorporating additional sensor data, the method enhances process control, allowing for real-time adjustments to compensate for variations in workpiece thickness or other material characteristics. This adaptive approach improves machining accuracy, reduces tool wear, and optimizes energy efficiency, making the process more reliable and cost-effective. The method is particularly useful in automated manufacturing environments where consistent quality and efficiency are critical.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein, in the determination of the workpiece material, in addition to the cooling constant, supplementary workpiece material properties are also incorporated comprising a reflectivity in a specific wavelength spectrum, which is ascertained from at least one supplementary measured value acquired by means of at least one supplementary sensor.
This invention relates to a method for determining the material of a workpiece during a machining process, particularly in metalworking applications. The method addresses the challenge of accurately identifying workpiece materials in real-time to optimize machining parameters and ensure quality control. Traditional approaches often rely solely on thermal properties like cooling constants, which may be insufficient for precise material identification. The method enhances material determination by incorporating supplementary workpiece material properties, specifically reflectivity in a specific wavelength spectrum. This reflectivity data is obtained from at least one supplementary sensor that measures additional parameters beyond the primary cooling constant. The supplementary sensor may include optical or spectroscopic devices that detect reflectivity variations across a defined wavelength range, providing a more comprehensive material signature. By combining cooling constant data with reflectivity measurements, the method improves the accuracy and reliability of material identification, enabling better process control and adaptability in machining operations. This approach is particularly useful in automated manufacturing environments where rapid and precise material recognition is critical for maintaining production efficiency and product quality.
10. A power tool comprising a drill, miter saw, circular saw, or jigsaw, having at least one processing tool comprising a drill bit or a saw blade for processing workpieces made of different materials comprising wood, metal, or plastic, wherein the power tool is configured to carry out the method according to claim 1 .
A power tool, such as a drill, miter saw, circular saw, or jigsaw, is designed to process workpieces made of various materials, including wood, metal, or plastic. The tool includes at least one processing tool, such as a drill bit or a saw blade, to perform cutting or drilling operations. The power tool is equipped with a system that monitors and adjusts operational parameters in real-time to optimize performance and safety. This system detects the material type of the workpiece and automatically adjusts cutting speed, torque, or other operational settings to prevent damage to the tool or workpiece. The tool may also include sensors to measure factors like vibration, temperature, or resistance, ensuring efficient and precise processing. Additionally, the tool may provide feedback to the user, such as alerts or adjustments, to enhance usability. The system may also log performance data for maintenance or quality control purposes. This design improves versatility, durability, and user experience across different materials and applications.
11. The power tool according to claim 10 , wherein a machine controller is configured to ascertain the cooling constant of the workpiece to be processed from previously acquired measured values, to determine the workpiece material from the ascertained cooling constant, to specify initial values, which are suitable for processing the workpiece made of the determined workpiece material using the power tool, for machine parameters including feed, speed, and torque, and to store the initial values for putting the power tool into operation with machine parameters set to the initial values and/or to put the power tool into operation with machine parameters set to the initial values.
Power tools are used for processing workpieces, but selecting optimal machine parameters such as feed, speed, and torque depends on the workpiece material. Incorrect settings can lead to inefficient processing, tool wear, or workpiece damage. This invention addresses the problem by automatically determining the workpiece material and setting appropriate machine parameters. The system includes a machine controller that analyzes previously acquired measured values to ascertain the cooling constant of the workpiece. The cooling constant is a thermal property that varies by material. By comparing the ascertained cooling constant to a database of known material properties, the controller identifies the workpiece material. Once the material is determined, the controller specifies initial values for machine parameters—such as feed rate, rotational speed, and torque—that are suitable for processing that specific material. These initial values are either stored for future use or directly applied to the power tool, allowing it to operate with optimized settings from the start. This automation reduces setup time and improves processing efficiency while minimizing errors associated with manual parameter selection.
12. The power tool according to claim 10 , wherein an electronics unit and/or a number of actuators are configured to set the initial values.
A power tool system includes a control mechanism for adjusting operational parameters such as speed, torque, or power output. The system monitors real-time performance data, such as motor current, rotational speed, or vibration levels, to detect deviations from expected values. When deviations exceed predefined thresholds, the system automatically adjusts operational settings to maintain optimal performance or prevent damage. The system may also include a user interface for manual adjustments or a communication module for remote monitoring and control. The initial operational parameters are set by an electronics unit or a set of actuators, ensuring consistent startup conditions. The system may further incorporate predictive algorithms to anticipate performance issues based on historical data or environmental factors, allowing for preemptive adjustments. This adaptive control mechanism enhances efficiency, extends tool lifespan, and improves user safety by dynamically responding to changing conditions. The system is particularly useful in industrial or high-precision applications where consistent performance is critical.
13. The power tool according to claim 10 , wherein at least one temperature sensor which operates in a contactless manner comprises an IR temperature sensor, which is suitable for measuring its sensor temperature and the surface temperature of the workpiece.
A power tool is equipped with a contactless temperature sensing system to monitor both the tool's operating temperature and the workpiece temperature during use. The system includes at least one infrared (IR) temperature sensor capable of detecting thermal radiation emitted by surfaces without physical contact. This allows real-time temperature monitoring of the tool's components and the workpiece, preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation. The sensor is integrated into the tool's structure, positioned to measure the surface temperature of the workpiece while also tracking the tool's internal temperature. The system may include additional sensors or processing units to analyze temperature data and trigger safety mechanisms, such as automatic shutdown or cooling activation, if thresholds are exceeded. This design enhances operational safety, extends tool lifespan, and improves workpiece quality by preventing thermal damage. The contactless measurement avoids interference with the tool's mechanical functions and eliminates the need for direct contact sensors, which can degrade over time. The IR sensor's non-invasive operation ensures accurate and reliable temperature readings in dynamic working conditions.
14. The power tool according to claim 13 , wherein a laser beam source comprising a laser diode, is suitable for orienting a punctiform laser beam onto the workpiece.
A power tool is designed to enhance precision in workpiece processing by integrating a laser beam source. The laser beam source includes a laser diode configured to project a focused, punctiform (dot-shaped) laser beam onto the workpiece. This laser beam serves as a visual guide, improving accuracy during operations such as drilling, cutting, or marking. The laser diode emits a coherent light beam that is directed toward the workpiece, providing a clear reference point for alignment and positioning. The laser beam source may be adjustable to ensure optimal visibility and precision under varying working conditions. This feature is particularly useful in applications requiring high accuracy, such as woodworking, metalworking, or construction, where precise positioning of the tool relative to the workpiece is critical. The laser beam helps operators align the tool correctly, reducing errors and improving efficiency. The integration of the laser diode into the power tool eliminates the need for separate alignment tools, streamlining the workflow and enhancing overall productivity. The laser beam source may also include additional components, such as lenses or reflectors, to focus and direct the beam effectively. This innovation addresses the challenge of achieving precise tool positioning in manual or semi-automated operations, ensuring consistent and accurate results.
15. The power tool according to claim 14 , wherein the temperature sensor and/or the laser beam source is/are attached at or on the power tool so that it or they can be oriented or aligned onto a point located in front of the processing tool in the processing direction of the processing tool.
A power tool is equipped with a temperature sensor and/or a laser beam source that are positioned to monitor or interact with a workpiece in front of the tool's processing head. The sensor or laser is mounted in a way that allows precise alignment with a specific point on the workpiece, ensuring accurate temperature measurement or laser targeting during operation. This setup enhances precision in tasks such as cutting, welding, or material processing by providing real-time feedback or guidance. The tool may include additional features like a control unit to adjust processing parameters based on sensor data, ensuring optimal performance and quality control. The alignment mechanism ensures that the sensor or laser remains focused on the intended area, even as the tool moves, improving reliability and efficiency in automated or manual operations. This design is particularly useful in industrial applications where precise temperature monitoring or laser targeting is critical for consistent results.
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September 1, 2019
February 22, 2022
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